Fatwa ID:05087

Answered by: Maulana Sibghat Ullah

Question

In Islam why are we supposed to consummate the marriage on the night of the Nikah?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Marriage is established as soon as the marriage contract is done, and you are allowed to consummate the marriage after the marriage is established.[i]

It is becoming increasingly common these days for some people to announce their marriage contract earlier and then consummate their marriage later.

They do the nikah ceremony, but the woman does not go to her husband to consummate the marriage.

The reasons are generally financial reasons, distant marriages or the husband is not ready to support his wife, etc.  So, they delay the consummation of marriage till the husband feels established.

There is nothing wrong with delaying the consummation if both parties agree.

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Sibghat Ullah

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham 

[i] Fatawa Shami, Vol 5, Book of Nikah, Page 32:- Nikah is established by Ijaab and qubool and they have used past tense.